About us
Project Isizwe is a non-profit organisation that partners with funders and Internet Service Providers to provide equitable internet access to underserved schools and communities.
Our vision & mission
Project Isizwe’s vision is equitable uncapped internet in every classroom across South Africa. We envision relevant teaching and learning in every classroom so that all South Africans have the opportunity to thrive in the global digital economy.
We do this by:
- Connecting schools to the internet for teaching and learning purposes (not just for school administration), including the development of a profiled pipeline of schools to connect
- Enabling free, uncapped WiFi for learners and educators at school and at home
- Designing, developing and implementing Education Programmes that enable transformation
Our history
Founded in 2013, Project Isizwe set out to provide free internet access in low-income communities across South Africa. Our flagship project, Tshwane Free WiFi, deployed over 1050 public WiFi hotspots across the City of Tshwane, offering 500MB of free WiFi per day to the city’s citizens. The project was implemented in partnership with the local municipality and is still considered one of the biggest Free Public WiFi networks in Africa, providing a cost-effective model of bridging the digital divide and proving the impact and benefit of free WiFi for Africans.
Following the successes in and learnings from Tshwane, Project Isizwe recognised the need to diversify funding streams in order to provide connectivity and extend impact beyond government enabled municipal funding.
Advocating for internet access as a human right to promote equality and address gaps in education, health, employment, and economic participation for citizens, the organisation’s leadership knew that providing sustainable internet access would require new partnerships and implementation models.
Our board
Shireen Powell
Project Isizwe CEO
After nearly 20 years of being in Telecoms, Shireen Powell joined the Project Isizwe team in 2020 to lead the organisation’s operations. She is driven by her passion for people and social justice, and fuelled by her belief in the power technology has to change our world…
Sibs Moodley-Moore
Non-Executive Director
With a deep commitment to social justice and transformation, and a passion for the development of people, Sibs has been a Non-Executive Director of Project Isizwe since 2013. After receiving her PhD at the University of Washington, Seattle…
Aurelia Neethling
Non-Executive Director
Aurelia Neethling is a seasoned professional in the fields of corporate governance and human resources. With her genuine passion for driving social change and dedication to people, she joins Project Isizwe as a Non-Executive Director. Having established herself as the Company Secretary at Herotel, Aurelia has demonstrated her skills in handling a wide range of corporate governance and compliance duties…
Shireen Powell
Project Isizwe CEO
After nearly 20 years of being in Telecoms, Shireen Powell joined the Project Isizwe team in 2020 to lead the organisation’s operations. She is driven by her passion for people and social justice, and fuelled by her belief in the power technology has to change our world. Her approach to problem-solving South Africa’s connectivity challenges, has allowed Project Isizwe to develop and iterate an innovative business model that optimally harnesses WiFi technology in a cost effective and scalable way. Not only has this transformed how the internet reaches underserved communities; it is also sustainably affordable to users and is already showing operational sustainability. A year after joining the team, Shireen became the CEO of Project Isizwe, formulating a clear and resolute vision to connect underserved Africans to uncapped internet. She is deeply committed to schools, and is leading Project Isizwe’s education strategy, to connect the 16,000+ South African schools that have no internet access to free, uncapped WiFi, enabling educators and learners to access the teaching and learning opportunities that will best equip them for their futures. In her words: “We believe that everyone deserves equitable access to the internet and we work to make this possible. Connecting communities, youth, entrepreneurs and schools to uncapped internet is necessary for our country and continent to participate in the rest of the world” Shireen Powell, CEO, Project Isizwe.
Sibs Moodley-Moore
Non-Executive Director
With a deep commitment to social justice and transformation, and a passion for the development of people, Sibs has been a Non-Executive Director of Project Isizwe since 2013. After receiving her PhD at the University of Washington, Seattle, Sibs pursued a career in academia, holding posts at Okanagan College in Canada, Trinity College in the USA and the University of Stellenbosch in South Africa. She served as Review Editor of Politikon: South African Journal of Politics, and was a Member of Council of the Africa Institute. Sibs is the on-site Director and Associate Professor of Global Studies for Trinity College Hartford, USA, at the University of Cape Town. She is currently also a Non-Executive Director of M&G Investment (formerly Prudential Investment Managers) and Dew Crisp. Sibs was Executive Director at Allan Gray responsible for recruitment, Employment Equity and Transformation, Corporate Social Investment and Mentorship.
Aurelia Neethling
Non-Executive Director
Aurelia Neethling is a seasoned professional in the fields of corporate governance and human resources. With her genuine passion for driving social change and dedication to people, she joins Project Isizwe as a Non-Executive Director. Having established herself as the Company Secretary at Herotel, Aurelia has demonstrated her skills in handling a wide range of corporate governance and compliance duties. Coupled with her human resources experience, Aurelia understands the vital role organisational success plays in driving social change. Renowned for her exceptional interpersonal skills, Aurelia thrives in collaborative environments and excels in building strong and trusting relationships with individuals at all levels within the organisation. Her inclusive approach fosters a supportive work culture that values diverse perspectives and encourages teamwork. As a Non-Executive Director, Aurelia’s strategic mindset and unwavering commitment to upholding strong governance practices, coupled with her passion for people and dedication to ethical conduct, positions her as a valuable member of the Project Isizwe board, able to drive the organisation’s mission and create positive social impact.
About us
Project Isizwe is a non-profit organisation that partners with funders and Internet Service Providers to provide equitable internet access to underserved schools and communities.
Our vision & mission
Project Isizwe’s vision is equitable uncapped internet in every classroom across South Africa. We envision relevant teaching and learning in every classroom so that all South Africans have the opportunity to thrive in the global digital economy.
We do this by:
- Connecting schools to the internet for teaching and learning purposes (not just for school administration), including the development of a profiled pipeline of schools to connect
- Enabling free, uncapped WiFi for learners and educators at school and at home
- Designing, developing and implementing Education Programmes that enable transformation
Our history
Founded in 2013, Project Isizwe was established as an non-profit organisation committed to enabling sustainable free internet access in low-income communities across South Africa. Project Isizwe’s pilot and award-winning flagship project – Tshwane Free WiFi – was designed to connect the unconnected in South Africa’s capital city. The project deployed 1050 free public WiFi hotspots across the City of Tshwane, with 600,000 monthly users receiving 500MB per day. If the project had been subscription funded, it would have cost under R10 per user per month with each user receiving 500MB a day. It remains the biggest Free Public WiFi network in Africa and was implemented in partnership with the local municipality, hailed as the most innovative government programme to bridge the digital divide.
Over the years, Project Isizwe has advocated for internet access as a human right to eradicate the gaps in education, health, employment and economic participation, enabling authentic equality between the citizens of Africa.
Our board
Shireen Powell
Project Isizwe CEO
After nearly 20 years of being in Telecoms, Shireen Powell joined the Project Isizwe team in 2020 to lead the organisation’s operations. She is driven by her passion for people and social justice, and fuelled by her belief in the power technology has to change our world. Her approach to problem-solving South Africa’s connectivity challenges, has allowed Project Isizwe to develop and iterate an innovative business model that optimally harnesses WiFi technology in a cost effective and scalable way. Not only has this transformed how the internet reaches underserved communities; it is also sustainably affordable to users and is already showing operational sustainability. A year after joining the team, Shireen became the CEO of Project Isizwe, formulating a clear and resolute vision to connect underserved Africans to uncapped internet. She is deeply committed to schools, and is leading Project Isizwe’s education strategy, to connect the 16,000+ South African schools that have no internet access to free, uncapped WiFi, enabling educators and learners to access the teaching and learning opportunities that will best equip them for their futures. In her words: “We believe that everyone deserves equitable access to the internet and we work to make this possible. Connecting communities, youth, entrepreneurs and schools to uncapped internet is necessary for our country and continent to participate in the rest of the world” Shireen Powell, CEO, Project Isizwe.
Sibs Moodley-Moore
Non-Executive Director
With a deep commitment to social justice and transformation, and a passion for the development of people, Sibs has been a Non-Executive Director of Project Isizwe since 2013. After receiving her PhD at the University of Washington, Seattle, Sibs pursued a career in academia, holding posts at Okanagan College in Canada, Trinity College in the USA and the University of Stellenbosch in South Africa. She served as Review Editor of Politikon: South African Journal of Politics, and was a Member of Council of the Africa Institute. Sibs is the on-site Director and Associate Professor of Global Studies for Trinity College Hartford, USA, at the University of Cape Town. She is currently also a Non-Executive Director of M&G Investment (formerly Prudential Investment Managers) and Dew Crisp. Sibs was an Executive Director at Allan Gray responsible for recruitment, Employment Equity and Transformation, Corporate Social Investment and Mentorship.
Aurelia Neethling
Non-Executive Director
Aurelia Neethling is a seasoned professional in the fields of corporate governance and human resources. With her genuine passion for driving social change and dedication to people, she joins Project Isizwe as a Non-Executive Director. Having established herself as the Company Secretary at Herotel, Aurelia has demonstrated her skills in handling a wide range of corporate governance and compliance duties. Coupled with her human resources experience, Aurelia understands the vital role organisational success plays in driving social change. Renowned for her exceptional interpersonal skills, Aurelia thrives in collaborative environments and excels in building strong and trusting relationships with individuals at all levels within the organisation. Her inclusive approach fosters a supportive work culture that values diverse perspectives and encourages teamwork. As a Non-Executive Director, Aurelia’s strategic mindset and unwavering commitment to upholding strong governance practices, coupled with her passion for people and dedication to ethical conduct, positions her as a valuable member of the Project Isizwe board, able to drive the organisation’s mission and create positive social impact.
Our values
Respect for Truth
Take credibility, tell the truth even though it may be a little uncomfortable. Admit when you don’t know something, we are all here to grow together. If you say you will do it, do it, truthfulness conveys respect.
Respect for Keeping promises
Manage your commitments, being reliable doesn’t mean saying yes to everyone. Having good intentions doesn’t define integrity, keeping your promises do. Accept that promises do break sometimes, forgive yourself and others and try to do better.
Respect for Women
Look women in the eye when speaking to them, it’s just respectful. Embrace each other’s differences, and work together to build a strong sense of fairness and understanding.
Respect for Work ethic
Show up with a smile, it shows that you are happy to be here, if you do it enough, you will soon trick your brain into believing so. Give a damn, don’t take for granted the lives that you change on a daily basis. Get it done, everyone is here to do what needs to be done, so don’t settle until we are all satisfied.
Respect for Family
Be mindful of people’s time, every minute a person spends working is taken away from family time. Be respectful of people’s personal and family-related matters. Bring with you a good attitude, the energy that is established at work is the energy that gets taken home. Make it a positive one.
Respect for Racial diversity
Being inclusive shows good leadership, it shows that you care about people’s success.Have compassion, not everyone that is here has been awarded the same opportunities that you have, so kind. Our country is increasingly becoming cultural convergent, make an effort to learn about other people, diversity drives creative power, richness in ideas and respect for others.
Respect for Skills
Having the attitude to win is far more worthier than having the skills to win. You are here to do something that you are good at, do that and become great at what you do. Become a team, you must be sure enough of yourself and your contribution to praise the skills of others.
Our values
Respect for Truth
Take credibility, tell the truth even though it may be a little uncomfortable. Admit when you don’t know something, we are all here to grow together. If you say you will do it, do it, truthfulness conveys respect.
Respect for Keeping promises
Manage your commitments, being reliable doesn’t mean saying yes to everyone. Having good intentions doesn’t define integrity, keeping your promises do. Accept that promises do break sometimes, forgive yourself and others and try to do better.
Respect for Women
Look women in the eye when speaking to them, it’s just respectful. Embrace each other’s differences, and work together to build a strong sense of fairness and understanding.
Respect for Work ethic
Show up with a smile, it shows that you are happy to be here, if you do it enough, you will soon trick your brain into believing so. Give a damn, don’t take for granted the lives that you change on a daily basis. Get it done, everyone is here to do what needs to be done, so don’t settle until we are all satisfied.
Respect for Family
Be mindful of people’s time, every minute a person spends working is taken away from family time. Be respectful of people’s personal and family-related matters. Bring with you a good attitude, the energy that is established at work is the energy that gets taken home. Make it a positive one.
Respect for Racial diversity
Being inclusive shows good leadership, it shows that you care about people’s success.Have compassion, not everyone that is here has been awarded the same opportunities that you have, so kind. Our country is increasingly becoming cultural convergent, make an effort to learn about other people, diversity drives creative power, richness in ideas and respect for others.
Respect for Skills
Having the attitude to win is far more worthier than having the skills to win. You are here to do something that you are good at, do that and become great at what you do. Become a team, you must be sure enough of yourself and your contribution to praise the skills of others.
Privacy policy
PROJECT ISIZWE (NPO Registration number 2013/146023/08) would like to inform you (the “data subject”) that we are committed to safeguarding your privacy and the confidentiality of your personal information. In terms of Section 18 of the Protection of Personal Information Act No 4. of 2013 (“POPI”) with effect from 01 July 2021, we are obliged to provide you with information when collecting personal information from you.
It is important that you understand how we collect and process your data, and for what purpose we use your information. This policy applies to all data collected by PROJECT ISIZWE in whichever manner or form, for the execution of our obligations in respect of our Non-Profit Company/Organisation.
Your personal data:
Personal Data is any information about you that enables you to be identified.
Some data that we may collect includes:
o your particulars – name and surname, email address, phone number, physical and postal address, gender, ethnicity and date of birth
o images, photos and videos
o social media accounts and webpage addresses
o online identifiers e.g. IP address, URL, web browsers and time zones when registering on our website
How we collect your data:
The initial collection of data is done through various methods and channels, including information obtained via:
o our website www.projectisizwe.org and/or via our social media platforms
o direct emails
o telephone and mobile communication e.g Whatsapp
o through social media platforms e.g. Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn
o through the use of website cookies and other various technologies
The majority of information collected will be done through you. We may also receive/collect your information from intermediaries that may have referred you to us.
A parent and/or a legal guardian will be required to give written consent to the use and processing of personal data should the data subject be a minor.
How we use your data:
Your personal information is initially required in order for us to communicate with you. Thereafter we will collect, hold, use and disclose your personal information mainly to provide you with access to the offerings and projects we are involved in and to fulfil the mandate that we have been given by you voluntarily joining our network.
This may include:
o communication regarding day to day activities
o notify you of new campaigns and developments that may be of interest to you
o direct marketing and/or bulk general emails e.g. newsletters
o confirm, verify and update your particulars
o analyse data in order to help us improve our website and overall experience that our Non-Profit Company provides
We will take all precautions to ensure that third parties treat your information with the same level of protection as required by us. Your information may also be hosted on servers managed by third-party service providers, which may be located in or outside South Africa. We may also be required to share your information with clients outside of South Africa. Should this be the case, you are entitled to ask us how your personal information will be protected in the foreign country, and we will endeavour to try and assist you.
Unless we are legally obliged to share your information, it will only be shared in order to comply with legal and regulatory requirements. The Angel Network administrators and staff are bound by confidentiality clauses in their letters of employment.
How long we use your data for:
We will not keep your data for any longer than is necessary in light of the reason(s) for which it was first collected. Your data will remain protected for as long as we hold it. Should we no longer require your information, it will be destroyed in a way that de-identifies you.
Security of your data:
Our Company’s IT Infrastructure as well as storage of physical records meets all acceptable security standards required to be POPI compliant.
Voluntary supply of your information:
The supply of information is voluntary and by you supplying us with your information, you are consenting to, and accepting our privacy policy. Should you not agree with our privacy policy, kindly refrain from using our website and inform us to immediately destroy any information that may have received from you. The consequences however, of not providing or allowing use of your information, is that we will be unable to offer you any of our services.
Your rights:
You have the right to object to the processing of your personal information in terms of section 11(3) of POPI. If you believe that your information is not processed in a correct manner, or that your information is being used for a purpose other than that for what it was originally intended, or if you wish to request access to the information we hold of you, please contact our Information Officer below. You have the right to request us to delete, destroy, limit, update or correct such data. Such requests are to be made in writing to the email address provided below. Where we are unable to resolve your request to your satisfaction, you have the right to contact an Information Regulator accordingly.
Information Officer:
Name: Marlyn Pillay
Contact Number: +27 100 132 430
Email Address: marlyn@wordpress-977049-3670318.cloudwaysapps.com
Website Hosting:
Our website is hosted by Avocado Chocolate
Registered address: 156 Dorp Street, Stellenbosch, 7600
VAT number: 4690265329
Cookies:
What are cookies? Cookies are simple text files that are stored on your computer or mobile device by a website’s server. Each cookie is unique to your web browser. It will contain some anonymous information such as a unique identifier, digits and numbers and website’s domain name.
Use of Cookies: Our website currently uses analytical cookies i.e. Google Analytics.
These cookies enable us and third-party services to collect aggregated data for statistical purposes on how our visitors use the website. These cookies do not contain personal information such as names and email addresses and are used to help us improve your user experience of the website.
How to delete cookies? If you want to restrict or block the cookies that are set by our website, you can do so through your browser setting. Alternatively, you can visit www.internetcookies.org, which contains comprehensive information on how to do this on a wide variety of browsers and devices. You will find general information about cookies and details on how to delete cookies from your device.
Changes to this Privacy Policy:
Should we be required to change our privacy policy at any given time, we will do so.
It may be necessary should existing laws change or be updated, and/or if we need to change the way we conduct our organisation. Any changes will be updated on our website. We recommend that you check our policy frequently for latest information.
Last updated 15 June 2022
Terms and Conditions
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Project Isizwe?
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Where does donated money go?
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Who gets internet access?
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Contact us
